They have also developed protocols around the disturbance of sites of cultural significance. Human remains from pre-European times were discovered near Waikanae and these were reinterred at another location by iwi.

And Kristie Parata said members of the iwi had taken up jobs and training opportunities on the project.

"Whilst we resisted the loss of land, we have babies to feed, we have bills to pay. It's been really good to see some of our younger whānau find employment and thrive on that employment," she said.

It was not the first time iwi had worked on transport projects in the area.

Kristie's father Tutere Parata said his father had worked on several, including Waikanae bridge and the highway near Paekakariki.

"My father worked on the roadway and his colleagues working with him were paid more than he was. And when he questioned why he was told he could live off the land."

"We made a commitment when we tendered for the job right at the beginning of the process that we would try and employ as many local people as possible and put some local iwi people through some training," he said.

Kristie Parata said the landscaping and road work had been done in a way that had improved access to the urupa, or burial grounds.

Previously the location of the urupa on steep sand dunes meant it was difficult for elderly people to visit the site, but this had changed with the recent work.

Her father Tutere Parata said although there was disagreement within the iwi about the highway, most were now comfortable with the outcome.